Märkische Kleinbahn

Hidden within Berlin, the Mærkische Kleinbahn whispers stories of a bygone era. This isn’t just a museum; it’s a living testament to Berlin’s rich railway history. The Mærkische Kleinbahn, founded in 1981, isn’t your typical dusty display of relics. It’s a vibrant community of dedicated volunteers who meticulously maintain a collection of historical railway vehicles. Imagine stepping back in time as you explore the locomotive shed at Schönow, the heart of the Mærkische Kleinbahn’s operations. Here, lovingly restored locomotives like the MKB 01, a Kleinlokomotive Kö 0128 with a 25 PS diesel engine, stand ready to share their stories. The MKB 51, a Rottenkraftwagen, and the MKB 52, a motorized draisine, offer glimpses into the ingenuity of early railway technology. Beyond the operational vehicles, the Mærkische Kleinbahn boasts a collection of goods wagons, a Prussian-designed Behelfspersonenwagen, and even a railway post van. The Mærkische Kleinbahn isn’t just about trains. It’s about the entire railway experience. A historical ticket office and a ticket printing press transport you back to a simpler time. The training signal box “Frohnau” and the MKB’s “signal garden” offer a rare peek behind the scenes of railway operations. While the Mærkische Kleinbahn primarily focuses on preservation and shunting within the Zehlendorf Railway, visitors can still experience the thrill of a bygone era. Each September, the Mærkische Kleinbahn opens its doors to the public. It’s a chance to witness the dedication of the volunteers and the progress of their work. It’s a celebration of Berlin’s railway heritage, a story still being written, one lovingly restored locomotive at a time.